Hong Kong Markets

The Flower Market

I highly recommend taking a walk down this crowded street of florist shops. My mom and I had a good time zooming in and taking snapshots of interesting flowers that we had never seen before. We also marveled at the many floral arrangements that top any that I have seen Stateside. Though the street attracts many tourists, it still brings in many locals who like to green up their Hong Kong residences.

The Bird Market

The travel books and magazines romanticize this market, noting the chirping birds, old-style wooden cages, and long-time vendors who remain loyal to the trade. However, the market, while clean due to its revamp in recent years, was depressing. The image of hundreds of cages lined up is an eye-catching, geometric sight, but knowing that they all contain sad locked-up birds put a pit in my stomach. I suppose if you are going to pick up a pet bird that you will love and take good care of that's one thing, but going just for the spectacle of it all didn't sit well with me (or my family).

The Goldfish Market

While a bit sad like the Bird Market, the Goldfish Market is still interesting to see due to the oxygen-pumped plastic bags in which the Goldfish swim. Hundreds of little bags line the doors of fish vendors, and the colors of each bag pop as the fish swim about.

The Ladies Market

The Ladies Market is a goldmine of fakes. Any handbag you might, there assuredly lies a copy at the Ladies Market. Other trinkets and souvenirs lay on vendors' tables while night gowns and t-shirts line the walls of the stalls. If you're looking to do some serious shopping for fakes or souvenirs, this is a viable option, but if you're not much into shopping, the long street might wear you out.